Brenda Stichter, artist

Fixing my Eyes "There should be something up front to look at that helps us contemplate Jesus," she said. My friend was visiting me after my surgery, and we had far-reaching and interesting conversations about everything from spanking children, to art, to the correct construction of arches so that the load is properly spread out. This dear friend is quite a bit older than I am, and her life has been one of adventure and world travel. I learn so much from her! Her comment pertained to communion time at church, and the idea that it would be great to have beauty to rest our eyes on to assist in our contemplation of our Savior. Although she didn't intend to, she inspired me to work on this painting. The idea actually fit very well with something I had been thinking about since my time in the hospital.  When I woke in the ICU and was fully alert, but unable to even open my eyes, it was a very frightening time, and I needed something to "focus...

Well, that was not how I thought things would go!  After a tougher than expected hospitalization,  I think I am getting close to back to normal, and I was able to do a little more work yesterday. Woo-hoo! Here are a couple of photos of me as I am working on getting gesso on a substrate - in our family room! It is nice to have the space to work, but at one time I had to rush around to get gesso off of THE PIANO! How did I even get it there?!  Good progress was made on another painting, too, and maybe I will have more to post this afternoon. 

I am having hernia surgery today, but I hope to be home recuperating this evening, and back in the studio by next week. You can pray for me if you want to. ;)

Pleasant Places Row crops and pastures, wild flowers and trees, sunsets and ponds and fence rows; I hope you can find all of these things in this painting which I painted with an Indiana contest in mind.  18" x 24"  acrylic on wood panel ready to frame Click here to purchase I was thinking how fun it could be to paint a series of Indiana paintings, called Rural, Industrial, Urban, Recreational... I even have reference materials I could use for a lot of them. I don't usually paint that kind of subject matter, but maybe I will have to consider it.  One thing that does come to mind as I think about painting  about the state I call home is how much I have been blessed here. My husband and I moved here to his "stomping ground" 20 some years ago, and GOD has been so good to us here. I am thankful. Psalm 16:6 "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me."

Orange You Glad? "I want to go to Ireland for two months, and I want your opinion as to whether it is a good idea or not," she told us. My mouth said, "That sounds like a fun trip and it is exactly the kind of thing you are passionate about. If GOD provides, I think it will be a great idea." I am not at all sure that my heart is agreeing with my mouth, though.  My daughter has been a globetrotter for most of her life, and she has a strong interest in supporting those who are called to be missionaries in other cultures. This trip is exactly that kind of trip, and her circumstances fell into place and support came in abundantly. I am sure that GOD has her held securely in HIS hands, and that HE will not forget about her and let her go. But my mother's heart is not so sure about her going overseas again...  SOLD 24" x 24" acrylic on wood panel  ready to frame Click here to view on my website.   This painting is another that fits into the rece...